“I wanna go in here.”
Tia blinked, following Meadow’s gaze. “The golf store?”
“Yes.”
“For who?
Meadow rolled her eyes. “Who you think?”
Tia grinned. “Oh, you love that man.”
“Shut up,” Meadow whispered, her cheeks warming again.
She stepped inside.
Soft jazz floated through hidden speakers. Displays spotlighted items like museum pieces. A section on the far wall caught Meadow’s eye immediately novelty socks lined up in rows.
A pair featuring a Black Prince Charming with waves, a crown, and a tailored suit caught her eye. Her heart gallopedin her chest because this felt like destiny. Picking them up, she flipped them over and there sat the prettiest brown Cinderella, She sucked in a heap of air. These were perfect…almost too perfect.
“THIS,” Tia whispered behind her, “is destiny.”
Meadow grabbed the socks without hesitation. “He gon’ clown me if I give him this.”
“And?”
“And I want him to like it.”
“He will…because he likes you.”
Meadow snatched the socks from Tia fingers. “Here you go.” She rolled her neck.
An employee approached with a bright smile. “Do you need help with sizes or designs?”
Meadow lifted the socks. “I’m good with these.”
“Oh! Those are part of our Black fairytale collection,” the employee explained. “We also offer custom stitching on this wall if you want initials or a little name added.”
Meadow paused, thinking…Custom?
That felt personal.
It felt right…It felt like her.
“Tia…” she breathed. “Should I?”
“Yes you should. Absolutely.”
Meadow walked toward the embroidery station, staring at the digital preview screen. “Okay…what do I put though?”
“His name,” Tia offered.
“No, that’s too serious.”
“A nickname then,” Tia shrugged.
Meadow chewed her lip, thinking. Zaire already called her Marai. So she needed a Prince Charming name for him, but something with hood flavor, something that matched him, something he would instantly understand.
She whispered it slowly, tasting it on her tongue. “Charm.”
